Temporary guard rail system

ABSTRACT

An improved temporary guard rail system for use by residential and commercial builders on construction sites in those areas of building structures where an accidental fall may result in serious bodily injury. In particular, the temporary guard rail system of the present invention includes a plurality of upright stanchions having mounting brackets integrally formed or attached thereto that are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced, generally horizontal side rails extending end to end. The vertically spaced side rails are adapted for 360 degree rotational movement in both horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, the tubular guard rails are fabricated in a plurality of sections that may be slideably engaged, one inside another, to provide a telescoping adjustment of length. The temporary guard rail system may be adapted and secured to various features of a building such as balconies, elevated platforms, stair cases, and the perimeter of a floor prior to the external walls or permanent protective railings being erected to prevent accidental injury. Further, the temporary guard rail system is designed and manufactured to conform to OSHA requirements for temporary guard rails. This system also provides a versatile safety device which is easy to install, easy to dismantle, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 08/421,858 filed Apr. 14, 1995 by Harrison G.Purvis and Tony R. Matthews entitled Temporary Guard Rail System andMethod of Using the Same now U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,074.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to safety devices and more particularly totemporary guard rails used during construction of buildings.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] During the construction of buildings, both commercial andresidential, there has been a problem in providing safety rails prior topermanent railings being installed on decks, balconies, and evenelevated floors prior to the construction of exterior walls.

[0004] Quite often, 2.times.4 lumber has been temporarily nailed to formmakeshift railings. Structures of this type, however, are usually notstrong in structure and a worker or other person falling thereagainstcan easily dislodge the makeshift railing causing such person to fall.This of course can result in grievous injury or even death. The abovementioned problems are of such a serious nature that the OccupationalHazards Safety Act, or OSHA agency has become so alarmed thatregulations have been promulgated to require temporary railings on allopen elevated building structures that will withstand at least twohundred pounds pressure without failing. No structure, however, has beendetailed to meet these requirements.

Concise Explanation of Prior Art

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,910,135 to William P. Moore discloses a ladderscaffold with a guard rail which includes an upwardly projecting boltwith a wing nut that secures a telescopically adjustable railing inposition.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,167 to Jesse H. Holloman discloses atemporary rail structure design to be used around the floor of abuilding during the construction process.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,311 to Samuel T. Melfi discloses a supportfor guard rails including wing nuts that hold both the top rail and theintermediate rail in position. However, the intermediate rails are notadjustable.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,341 to Jean Arteau, et al. discloses ananchor for mounting a temporary safety fence to a floor of a buildingunder construction.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,993 to Anthony Lionetto discloses aprotective guard fixture for open work areas in building constructionhaving two vertical posts which support a barrier frame member.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,889 to Dennis Johnson discloses a barriersystem having a plurality of elongated rod members and bracket systemfor attachment of the barrier to a structure.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,054 to Bernard Storch discloses a safetyfence including a plurality of posts having brackets and telescopicrails which are coupled to an supported by the brackets.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,900 to Richard T. Dagiel, et al. discloses aguard assembly including a stanchion bracket which is designed forremovable attachment to the outer edge of a concrete floor incombination with similar stanchion brackets.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,827 to Harold E. Brand discloses a stanchionincluding a base secured to a building support having a tubularreceptacle carried on the base and supported thereon by an angulargusset.

[0014] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. RE20,653 to Clyde K. Lamb is considered ofgeneral interest in that it discloses a guard rail for a scaffold havinga plurality of posts adapted to be secured at one end of the scaffoldand to extend vertically upwardly from the floor of the scaffold and theguard rail section supported between pairs of adjacent posts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0015] After much research and study into the above mentioned problems,the present invention has been developed to provide a simple and yethighly efficient temporary railing system in accordance with OSHArequirements that can be readily installed when needed and just asreadily removed when no longer required.

[0016] The present invention can be readily adapted to conform tovarying building stricture configurations. In particular, the temporaryguard rail of the present invention includes a plurality of uprightstanchions that are designed to be installed about the edge of a flatroof, an elevated platform, flight of stairs, or a floor area to supporta plurality of vertically spaced, telescoping side railings.

[0017] Each of the upright stanchions of the temporary guard rail of thepresent invention include an anchor bracket integrally formed therewithfor attaching the upright stanchions to the subfloor or framing membersof the building under construction. The anchor brackets are providedwith a plurality of mounting holes to permit the attachment of the sameto the building structure with lag screws or other suitable fasteners.Typically, a pair or a series of these upright stanchions are attachedto the subfloor in locations that present a potential for injury due tofalls.

[0018] The individual stanchions are connected by upper and lower siderails which are pivotally mounted at a predetermined height on eachupright stanchion. The pivoting side rail connectors with adapterspermit the horizontal side rails to be rotated a full 360 degrees aboutthe point of attachment on each upright stanchion either horizontally orat an angle. Thus, the guard rails may be adapted to virtually to anyconfiguration encountered in a building under construction.

[0019] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a temporary guard rail system that can be readily installed whenneeded and readily removed when no longer required.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporaryguard rail system which may be readily adapted to virtually anyconfiguration encountered in the building construction including roofs,elevated platforms, balconies, stairs, and the perimeter of the floor ofthe building prior to the construction of the exterior walls orpermanent protective railings.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporaryguard rail system which may be adapted for installation on soil orasphalt adjacent trenches or other excavations to prevent falls therein.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporaryguard rail system that fully complies with the OSHA requirements forsuch temporary guard rails. Other objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrativeof such invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright stanchion that forms apart of the temporary guard rail system of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upright stanchion showingsections of the telescoping, horizontal side rails mounted thereon andfastened to the floor of a structure;

[0025]FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged perspective views of the pivotingcollars for attaching the lower, horizontal side rails of the presentinvention;

[0026]FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of the top end of theupright stanchion showing the upper horizontal side rails attachedthereto;

[0027]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the telescoping segmentscomprising each respective side rail;

[0028]FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the top end of theupright stanchion showing an adapter for stair railings attachedthereto;

[0029]FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the top end of theupright stanchion showing the stair rail adapter of FIG. 8 having astair railing attached thereto at an angle;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theanchor bracket of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the toe board of the presentinvention installed on an upright stanchion;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the one-way swivel bracket of thepresent invention for use on top of an upright stanchion;

[0033]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a two-way swivel bracket of thepresent invention for use on top of an upright stanchion;

[0034]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the one-way, mid-rail bracket ofthe present invention for use with a rail support collar;

[0035]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the two-way mid-rail bracket ofthe present invention for use with a rail support collar;

[0036]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the guard rail extension post ofthe present invention;

[0037]FIG. 17 is side elevational view of the guide post leverage strapof the present invention installed in its functional position;

[0038]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the ground plate adapter of thepresent invention; and

[0039]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the roof plate adapter of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0040] With further reference to the drawings, the temporary guard railsystem in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2and indicated generally at 10. The temporary guard rail system 10comprises a plurality of upright stanchions 11 as shown in FIG. 1. Inthe preferred embodiment, stanchions 11 are formed from solid steel barsin order to comply with OSHA strength regulations. However, it will beappreciated that other materials such as aluminum, fiberglass andsimilar composites may be utilized in alternative embodiments.

[0041] The lower end of each stanchion 11 has integrally formedtherewith or otherwise fixed thereto an anchor bracket, indicatedgenerally at 12, for attaching each stanchion 11 to the buildingsubfloor 13 or other suitable forming members (not shown). In thepreferred embodiment, stanchion 11 is positioned in a predeterminedlocation on anchor bracket 12 and is attached in perpendicular relationthereto by weldment or other suitable means as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, anchor bracket 12 includes a plurality ofmounting apertures 12 a extending through the same in predeterminedlocations. Mounting apertures 12 a each have a center axis that isdisposed in perpendicular relation to the plane of anchor bracket 12.

[0043] Anchor bracket 12 may be securely attached to building subfloor13 by installing a plurality of lag screws 14 or other suitablefasteners to secure stanchion 11 in position as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 10 there is shown therein an alternativeembodiment of the anchor bracket, indicated generally at 12′, forattaching each stanchion 11′ to the building subfloor or other suitableframing members. In this embodiment anchor bracket 12′ includes acylindrical cup 12 b′ that is positioned in a predetermined location onanchor bracket 12′ and is attached in perpendicular relation thereto byweldment or other suitable means.

[0045] Cup 12 b′ includes an internal bore 12 c′ having an insidediameter that is slightly larger than an outside diameter of stanchion11′. Thus, cup 12 b′ is adapted to receive a lower end of stanchion 11′therein.

[0046] Stanchion 11′ is provided with a cross-drilled hole 11 a′ at thelower end thereof and in perpendicular relation to a longitudinal axisof stanchion 11′.

[0047] Similarly, cup 12 b′ includes a pair of cross-drilled holes (notshown) having a common axis of symmetry and being positioned so as toenable axial alignment with cross-drilled hole 11 a′ in stanchion 11′when the same is inserted within cup 12 b′.

[0048] In this embodiment a safety bolt, indicated generally at 30′, isinserted through cup 12 b′ and stanchion 11′ to retain the same inposition. Safety bolt 30′ includes a safety spring 31′ as shown in FIG.10.

[0049] Spring 31′ is generally semicircular in configuration having aloop portion 31 a′ formed at either end thereof. Safety bolt 30′includes a head portion 30 a′ having a hole 30 a″ drilled therethroughwherein a loop portion 31 a′ of safety spring 31′ may be inserted andpermanently captured. An opposite end of the safety spring 31′, alsohaving a loop portion 31 a′ formed thereon, is snapped into positionover the terminal end of safety bolt 30′ which extends through cup 12 b′and is spring-biased against cup 12 b′ in order to retain bolt 30′therein.

[0050] Since such safety bolts and safety springs are well known tothose skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is notdeemed necessary.

[0051] In yet another alternative embodiment (not illustrated), anchorbracket 12′ includes a cup 12 b′ having an internal bore 12 c′ that isprovided with internal threads which are adapted to receive and engage amating external thread formed at the lower end of stanchion 11′ so assecure the same therein.

[0052] Since such internally threaded fittings are well known to thoseskilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is notdeemed necessary.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2 it will be appreciated that stanchion 11 ispositioned at a predetermined location on anchor bracket 12 which isoffset in a lateral direction from a center point 15 of the top surfaceof anchor bracket 12.

[0054] The above predetermined positioning of stanchion 11 on anchorbracket 12 in conjunction with the predetermined location of mountingapertures 12 a in anchor bracket 12 is designed to gain a mechanicaladvantage in counteracting the potential force which could be exertedagainst horizontal side rails, indicated generally at 16, generated as aresult of an adult or child falling against the same while movingthrough and around the building site thereby preventing serious bodilyinjury.

[0055] Still referring to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that stanchion11 has formed thereon an upper rail stop 17 a and a lower rail stop 17b. Rail stops 17 a and 17 b are preferably fabricated as steel ringshaving an axial opening that is slightly larger than the outsidediameter of stanchion 11. Upper rail stop 17 a and lower rail stop 17 bare disposed about the outside diameter of stanchion 11 and positionedat a predetermined vertical height generally corresponding to thevertical height of lower horizontal side rails 16 b as shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] It will be more clearly seen by referring to FIG. 1, that upperrail stop 17 a and lower rail stop 17 b are disposed about stanchion 11in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis thereof. Rail stops17 a and 17 b are positioned in spaced relation from each other toaccommodate the installation of at least two rail support collars 18therebetween as clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, rail support collars 18 are alsofabricated from steel having an axial opening that is somewhat largerthan the outside diameter of stanchion 11 but smaller than rail stops 17a and 17 b enabling collars 18 to be freely rotated 360 degrees aboutthe longitudinal axis of stanchion 11.

[0058] Formed on the outside diameter of collars 18 are at least onethreaded stud 19 extending outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relationto the longitudinal axis of stanchion 11 as shown in FIG. 3. In theembodiment shown, threaded studs 19 are fabricated from hexagonal steelstock and are attached to the exterior surface of collar 18 by weldmentor other suitable means. There is also provided with each threaded stud19 a wing nut 20 having cooperating threads for engaging therewith.

[0059] It will be understood that during the manufacturing process ofstanchion 11 as shown in FIG. 3, rail stops 17 a and 17 b with at leasttwo rail support collars 18 therebetween are slideably positioned at apredetermined location on stanchion 11. After the aforesaid componentsare precisely located in their operative positions, rail stops 17 a and17 b are attached to stanchion 11 by weldment thereby permanentlyretaining collars 18. Collars 18 remain freely rotatable 360 degreesabout the longitudinal axis of stanchion 11.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that each end of lowerhorizontal side rails 16 b includes a side rail extension bracket 16 cthat is attached in substantial linear alignment thereto by weldment.Side rail extension brackets 16 c include at least one mounting aperture16 f through which threaded stud 19 may be inserted to mount lowerhorizontal side rails 16 b in their functional position as shown in FIG.4.

[0061] Wing nut 20, or other suitable fastener, may then be screwed intoengagement with extension bracket 16 c to secure lower horizontal siderail 16 b in position.

[0062] It will be appreciated that lower side rail 16 b may now berotated in a horizontal plane or pivoted vertically to conform to theshape of the building structure where it will be deployed.

[0063] Now, turning to FIG. 5, there is shown the top end of uprightstanchion 11 whereon an tipper horizontal side rail 16 a is secured. Itwill be seen that the top end of stanchion 11 includes a threaded stud19 that is integrally formed or otherwise fixed thereon. There is alsoprovided with threaded stud 19 a wing nut 20 including cooperatingthreads therein.

[0064] It can also be seen that upper side rail 16 a includes a siderail extension bracket 16 c that is disposed in substantial linearalignment with upper side rail 16 a and attached thereto by means suchas weldment. Extension bracket 16 c is provided with at least onemounting aperture 16 f for locating extension bracket 16 c on threadedstud 19 in its functional. position.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that at least twoside rail extension brackets 16 c and their corresponding upper siderails 16 a may be positioned on threaded stud 19 and secured in thisposition by engagement with wing nut 20.

[0066] It will be appreciated that upper horizontal side rails 16 a mayalso be rotated 360 degrees in perpendicular relation to thelongitudinal axis of stanchion 11 to conform to the shape of thebuilding structure or construction site where it is to be utilized.

[0067] Now, turning to FIG. 7, there is shown therein a detailed view ofthe telescoping side rail of the present invention, indicated generallyat 16. In the preferred embodiment, side rail 16 is composed of twoindividual segments, namely internal segment 6 d and external segment 16e. It will be understood that both internal segment 16 d and externalsegment 16 e are fabricated from steel tubing that is generallyrectangular in cross section. In particular, internal segment 16 d isfabricated to an outside dimension that is slightly smaller than theinside dimension of external segment 16 e.

[0068] Accordingly, internal segment 16 d may be slideably engaged withthe inside surface of external segment 16 e in a telescoping manner.Hence, horizontal side rails 16 may be adjusted in length to conform tothe dimensions of the building structure on the construction site whereit is to be installed.

[0069] The telescoping ends of internal segment 16 d and externalsegment 16 e may be provided with a suitable locking means, such as thatindicated generally at 21, for securing the telescoping side rail 16 ina fixed position after it has been adjusted to the desired length.

[0070] It is noteworthy that each respective telescoping side rail 16 asshown in FIG. 6 is manufactured to the same specifications and, thus,upper side rails 16 a and lower side rails 16 b are functionallyinterchangeable. The respective numerical designations herein areprovided for purposes of clarification only.

[0071] Turning now to FIG. 11 there is shown therein a perspective viewof the telescoping toe board of the present invention, indicatedgenerally at 35′. In the preferred embodiment, toe board 35′ iscomprised of two individual sections, namely internal section 35 a′ andexternal 35 b′. Both internal section 35 a′ and external section 35 b′are fabricated from steel tubing that is generally rectangular incross-section. In particular, internal section 35 a is fabricated to anoutside dimension that is slightly smaller than the inside dimension ofexternal section 35 b′.

[0072] Accordingly, internal section 35 a′ may be slidingly engaged withthe inside surface of external section of 35 b′ in a telescoping manner.Hence, the toe board 35′ may be adjusted in length to conform to thedimension of the building structure on the construction site in a mannersimilar to that of the telescoping side rails 16 of the presentinvention.

[0073] Internal section 35 a′ and external section 35 b′ may be providedwith a suitable locking means, such as thumb screw 34′ as shown in FIG.11. Thumb screw 34′ threadably engages mating nut 33′ that is fixedlyattached to an exterior surface of external section 35 b′ by weldment orother suitable means.

[0074] Thumb screw 34′ is of sufficient length to extend through anaperture (not shown) formed in external section 35 b′ in alignment withnut 33′ so as to secure internal member 35 a′ in a desired positionafter telescoping adjustment of the toe board 35′.

[0075] The opposite ends of internal member 35 a′ and external member 35b′ are each provided with a semicircular yoke bracket, indicatedgenerally at 36′, which are adapted to engage upright stanchions 11′adjacent a lower end thereof as shown in FIG. 11. Yoke brackets 36′ aresecured in axial alignment with toe board 35′ by machine screws 37′ orother suitable fastening means.

[0076] In practical use, toe board 35′ is positioned intermediate anadjacent pair of upright stanchions 11′ and telescopingly adjusted tothe required length and secured in position by thumb screw 34′. It willbe appreciated that toe board 35′ functions to prevent tools and othermaterials from accidentally being pushed over the edge of the staircaseor balcony whereon the temporary guard rail system is installed and ontopersons below thereby preventing potential injury.

[0077] The toe board 35′ is designed to withstand in excess of 50 poundsof outward pressure applied thereto in accordance with OSHA standards.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a stair adapter bracket,indicated generally at 24, designed to receive and support upper siderails 16 a at varying angles in relation to upright stanchion 11 andparticularly in those instances where the temporary guard rail system isutilized as a hand rail on a flight of stairs or other inclines.

[0079] Stair adapter bracket 24 is L-shaped, having a long member 24 aand a short member 24 b. In the preferred embodiment, stair adapterbracket 24 is fabricated from steel plate material and long member 24 ais bent or attached in perpendicular relation to short member 24 b byweldment.

[0080] Short member 24 b is provided with a mounting aperture (notshown) at a predetermined location designed to receive threaded stud 19that outwardly projects from the top of stanchion 11 such that longmember 24 a of stair adapter 24 is disposed in substantial parallelrelation to the top of stanchion 11 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0081] There is also provided at the distal end of long member 24 a athreaded stud 19 that is disposed in. perpendicular relation to theplane defining member 24 a. Threaded stud 19 is provided with a wing nut20 having compatible threads therein.

[0082] In this particular application, anchor brackets 12 are attachedto the treads of a convention flight of stairs or other inclines atvarious intervals. Upper side rails 16 a are mounted on threaded stud 19at the distal end of long member 24 a of the stair adapter bracket 24.Wing nut 20 is screwed into engagement with side rail extension bracket16 c. Thereafter, the respective stanchions 11, each having a stairadapter bracket 24 installed thereon, are connected by a plurality ofside rails 16 a that extend from end to end down the flight of stairs orother inclines.

[0083] It will be appreciated that side rail extension bracket 16 c isdesigned and fabricated to provide sufficient clearance between the endof upper side rail 16 a and stair adapter bracket 24 to enable side rail16 a to be pivoted at varying angles to vertical without binding againstadapter bracket 24.

[0084] It is understood that lower side rails 16 b are designed andfabricated to enable this same pivoting movement at varying angles tovertical without special adaptation.

[0085] In order to facilitate the installation of the temporary guardrail system on a flight of stair or other inclines, various alternativeembodiments of stair adapter bracket 24 are provided as illustrated inFIGS. 12-15.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown therein a one-way swivelbracket, indicated generally at 25′, designed to receive and supportupper side rails 16 a at varying angles in relation to upright stanchion11′. It will be appreciated that the one-way swivel bracket 25′ is amodified version of the stair adapter bracket 24 as shown in FIG. 8. Inthis embodiment bracket 25′ includes a swivel plate 25 c′ that isadapted for rotational movement about pivot pin 29′ in a plane generallyparallel to that of long member 25 a′ of bracket 25′ as shown in FIG.12.

[0087] Plate 25 c′ has mounted thereon a threaded stud 19′ that projectsoutwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation to a plane defining plate25 c′. Threaded stud 19′ is provided with a wing nut 20′ havingcompatible threads therein.

[0088] It will be understood that the one-way swivel bracket 25′ isintended for use on an upright stanchion 11′ disposed at a terminal endof an assembled temporary guard rail system 10 whereon only one end of aguard rail 16 will be installed.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown therein a two-way swivelbracket, indicated generally at 26′, designed for installation on thetop end of an upright stanchion 11′ wherein the same is disposedintermediate two adjacent upright stanchions 11′ in an assembledtemporary guard rail system 10.

[0090] Two-way swivel bracket 26′ includes a swivel plate 26 c′ having apair of threaded studs 19′ installed thereon and extending outwardlytherefrom in generally perpendicular relation thereto. It will beappreciated that pivot pin 29′ is installed intermediate the twothreaded studs 19′ which are installed adjacent the ends of plate 26 c′so as to provide a symmetrical pivoting movement thereof about pin 29′.

[0091] In this embodiment bracket 26′ is adapted to receive the ends oftwo adjacent upper side rails 16 a thereon.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown therein a one-waymid-rail swivel bracket, indicated generally at 27′. It will beappreciated that the one-way mid-rail swivel bracket 27′ is adapted foruse on an upright stanchion 11′ positioned at the terminal end of. anassembled guard rail whereon it functions to receive only one end of alower side rail 16 b.

[0093] In the preferred embodiment, mid-rail swivel bracket 27′ includesan elongated body member 27 a′ having an aperture (not shown) formedadjacent an end thereof for installation on a threaded stud 19 formed onrail support collar 18.

[0094] Bracket 27′ includes a swivel plate 27 c′ which is pivotedlyattached to body member 27 a′ by a pivot pin 29′ imparting rotationalmovement thereto in a plane parallel to the plane defining member 27 a′.Plate 27 c′ is provided with a single threaded stud 19′ projectingoutwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation thereto. Threaded stud 19′is provided with a wing nut 20′ having compatible threads therein.

[0095] Turning now to FIG. 15 there is shown therein a two-way mid-railswivel bracket, indicated generally at 28′, designed for use on astanchion 11′ disposed intermediate two adjacent stanchions 11′ in anassembled temporary guard rail system 10.

[0096] The two-way mid-rail swivel bracket 28′ is adapted to receive theends of two adjacent lower side rails 16 b in maimer similar to thatdescribed hereinabove for the two-way swivel bracket 26′.

[0097] In this embodiment the bracket 28′ includes an elongatedrectangular member 28 a′ having an aperture (not shown) formed adjacentan end thereof for installation on a threaded stud 19 formed on railsupport collar 18. Bracket 28′ includes a swivel plate 28 c′ having apair of outwardly projecting threaded studs 19′ installed thereon in asymmetrical arrangement about a pivot pin 291. Thus, plate 28 c′ isadapted for symmetrical movement about pivot pin 29′ in a plane parallelto the plane defining elongated member 28 a′.

[0098] In each of the above described alternative embodiments shown inFIGS. 12-15, the brackets, swivel plates and pivot pins are fabricatedfrom steel or other suitable materials having sufficient strength tocomply with OSHA standards for temporary guard rails.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown therein a stanchionextension post, indicated generally at 40′. Extension post 40′ functionsto increase the vertical height of stanchions 11′ to provide anincreased measure of safety for employees working on ladders and stiltsas required by OSHA regulations.

[0100] Extension post 40′ is similar in overall appearance and includesbasically the same features as described hereinabove for stanchion 11.Extension post 40′ differs from stanchion 11 with respect to its overalllength which is approximately 24 inches. The extension post 40′ includesan internal bore 40 a′ having an inside diameter which is slightlylarger than the outside diameter of stanchion 11′. Thus, the extensionpost 40′ is adapted to slide onto the upper end of stanchion 11′ toeffectively extend the vertical height thereof from 42 inches toapproximately 54 inches. When installed in its functional position, thelower end of extension post 401 comes into positive contact with theupper rail stop 17 a of stanchion 11′ as shown in FIG. 17.

[0101] In order to attach the extension post 401 to an assembledtemporary guard rail system 10, the upper side rails 16 a are detachedfrom their position at the top of stanchion 11′ by removing wing nut 20from threaded stud 19.

[0102] Next, the extension post 40′ is disposed about the top ofstanchion 11′ such that the same slidingly engages internal bore 40 a′and slides downwardly against the upper rail stop 17 a of stanchion 11′.

[0103] Thereafter, upper side rail 16 a is re-attached to collar 18′ byengaging the same on threaded stud 19′ with wing nut 20′.

[0104] Next an additional telescoping side rail (not shown) havingfeatures identical to side rails 16 a and 16 b as seen in FIG. 2 isinstalled at the top of extension post 40′ on threaded stud 19′ andsecured thereto by wing nut 20′.

[0105] When installing extension post 40′ on the first or last post inthe temporary guard rail system which is unsupported by an adjacentstanchion 11′, the use of a leverage strap, indicated generally at 41′,as shown in FIG. 17 is required to meet OSHA standards. Leverage strap41′ comprises an elongated steel band having an aperture (not shown) atthe top end thereof for installation on a threaded stud 19′ integrallyformed on collar 18′ of extension post 40′.

[0106] Leverage strap 41′ includes a base plate 41 a′ integrally formedthereto including a plurality of apertures (not shown) positioned atpredetermined locations thereon so as to be aligned with apertures 12 aformed in anchor bracket 12. Thus, the base plate 41 a′ of leveragestrap 41 may be secured together with anchor bracket 12 by lag screws 14to the building subfloor in order to support the extension post 401 inthe above described configuration.

[0107] In order to adapt the temporary guard rail system 10 of thepresent invention for use adjacent an open trench or other excavationsite, anchor brackets 12 may be installed on a ground adapter plate asshown in FIG. 18 and indicated generally at 45. In the preferredembodiment, plate 45 is fabricated from a heavy gauge, corrugated sheetmetal which is well known in the art. Such corrugated sheet metal istypically formed with alternating ridge portions 45 a and valleyportions 45 b which are interconnected by upwardly tapered side wallportions 45 c when viewed in cross-section.

[0108] Since such corrugated sheet metal is well known to those skilledin the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not deemednecessary. the preferred embodiment, the plate 45 is cut intoapproximately 18 inch squares for use in combination with the presentinvention. An anchor bracket 12 is mounted on the top surface of ridgeportion 45 a in axially alignment therewith at a predetermined location.Thereafter, anchor bracket 12 is secured in position by a plurality ofself-tapping, sheet metal screws 42 which are threadably secured in aplurality of pilot holes 43 formed therein in coaxial alignment thereto.

[0109] It will be understood that any embodiment of anchor bracket 12described hereinabove is suitable for this installation.

[0110] Plate 45 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical, locatingsleeves 46 which are positioned at predetermined locations thereon asshown in FIG. 18. Locating sleeves 46 are disposed in axial alignmentwith corresponding locating holes 47 formed in plate 45 in axialalignment therewith and being fixedly attached thereto by weldment orother suitable fastening means.

[0111] Each locating sleeve 46 is adapted to receive an anchor pin 48which loosely penetrates the same and is driven into the ground orasphalt surface 50 adjacent the open trench 55 or other excavation sitewhere the temporary guard rail system 10 is being installed.

[0112] In the preferred embodiment, anchor pins 48 are fabricated fromelongated metal rods such as steel rods and measure approximately 36inches in length. Anchor pins 48 include a head portion 48 a integrallyformed therewith and having a diameter that is larger than that oflocating sleeves 46 so as to prevent it passing through the same whenanchor pin 48 is driven into its functional position below the surface50 by a sledge hammer (not shown) or other suitable tool.

[0113] In a similar manner, a plurality of anchor stakes 49 are utilizedto secure the peripheral edges of plate 45 in place.

[0114] In the preferred embodiment, anchor stake 49 includes anelongated body member 49 b that is T-shaped in cross-section. An upperend of body member 49 b includes an outwardly projecting flange member49 c which functions to secure the peripheral edges of plate 45 inposition after stake 49 has been driven into the ground 50. Stake 49 maybe provided with a cylindrical head portion 49 a being attached theretoby weldment so that it may be conveniently driven into the ground 50 bya hammer (not shown) or other suitable tool.

[0115] In the manner described hereinabove, a plurality of groundadapter plates 45 may be positioned about the perimeter of an opentrench 55 or other excavation site at predetermined intervals so as toprovide support for the installation of the temporary guard rail system10 thereon.

[0116] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the groundadapter plates 45 may also be installed on an asphalt surface such as astreet or roadway adjacent a trench 55 or excavation site.

[0117] In the construction of modem commercial buildings, panels ofcorrugated sheet. metal are frequently utilized in the construction ofthe roof. In order to adapt the temporary guard rail system 10 to such acorrugated metal structure, a roof adapter plate, indicated generally at60, is provided as shown in FIG. 19. In the preferred embodiment, theroof adapter plate 60 is fabricated from the same corrugated metalmaterial used in the construction of the roof A panel of corrugatedsheet metal is cut into approximately 18-inch squares. Thereafter, aplurality of such squares are stacked and secured together by weldmentor other suitable fastening means.

[0118] In this configuration, roof adapter plate 60 may be positioned inthe desired location on the surface of the roof 61 for installation asshown in FIG. 19.

[0119] Next, an anchor bracket 12 may be positioned thereon forattachment to the underlying roof 61 by a plurality of self-tappingsheet metal screws 42. The roof adapter plate 60 is further secured tothe roof 61 by a plurality of self-tapping screws which are installedthrough the ridge portions 60 a and the upwardly tapered side wallportions 60 c thereof in predetermined locations.

[0120] It will be understood that in the roof installation describedabove, anchor bracket 12 is preferably of an embodiment having a cup 12b′ including an internal bore 12 c′ having internal threads formedtherein which are adapted to receive an externally threaded portion ofstanchion 11 as previously described. After installation of the roofadapter plate 60, the construction of the roof 61 proceeds in the normalmanner wherein a concrete slab is poured permanently capturing the plate60 and anchor bracket 12 therein. Upon completion the threaded stanchion11′ may be threadably disengaged from the threaded anchor bracket 12′and the resulting void filled with a suitable cap or plug (not shown)when use of the temporary guard rail system is complete.

[0121] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the roofadapter plate 60 may be retrofitted to pre-existing commercial buildingsusing the above described procedure by removing a portion of apre-existing roof having a corrugated metal structure, matching the roofadapter plate 60 to the roof, installing the roof adapter plate with theattached anchor bracket 12′ and patching the retrofitted area with asuitable roof material so as to capture the plate 60 therein.

[0122] It is reiterated that the temporary guard rail system 10 of thepresent invention has been designed and fabricated to comply with OSHAstandards for temporary guard rails. From the above it can be seen thatthe present invention provides a temporary guard rail system that may bereadily adapted to any feature of a building that is under constructionto protect against the potential for serious bodily injury from fallsparticularly when the construction site is unsupervised.

[0123] The terms “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “top”, “bottom” and so forthhave been used herein merely for convenience to describe the presentinvention and its parts as oriented in the drawings. It is to beunderstood, however, that these terms are in no way limiting to theinvention since such invention may obviously be disposed in differentorientations when in use.

[0124] The present invention may, of course, be carried out in otherspecific ways than those herein set forth without departing from thespirit and essential characteristics of such invention. The presentembodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within themeaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to beembraced therein.

That which is claimed is:
 1. An improved temporary guardrail system forremovable attachment to a building under construction including aplurality of upright stanchions, each respective stanchion having ananchor bracket on a bottom end thereof, said stanchions being connectedby a plurality of vertically spaced upper and lower side rails and by atoe board, the improvements comprising: means for rotatably connectingsaid rails to said stanchions enabling each respective side rail to berotated 360° about a longitudinal axis of each respective stanchion in ahorizontal plane and each respective side rail to be pivoted at varyingangles in a vertical plane, said connecting means including a firstthreaded stud outwardly projecting from a tope end of said stanchions insubstantially axial alignment therewith enabling each of said upper siderails to be rotatably mounted thereon at various angles, said upper siderails being pivoted in a vertical plane at varying angles by use ofangulation means, said angulation means comprising a generally L-shapedswivel bracket disposed on said first threaded stud at said top end ofsaid stanchion, said L-shaped bracket including a long leg portion and ashort leg portion being fixedly attached in perpendicular relationthereto, said bracket further including swiveling means being adaptedfor pivoting movement in a plane parallel to the plane defining saidlong leg portion, said swiveling means including a second threaded studdisposed in perpendicular relation to said axis of said stanchionenabling said upper side rails to be mounted thereon and pivoted in avertical plane at varying angles for installation of said temporaryguardrail system on inclines such as stairs; means for telescopicallyadjusting the length of each respective side rail and said toe boardenabling said temporary guardrail system to be adapted to dimensionalfeatures of different buildings under construction; and means forselectively extending the vertical height of said guardrail system toprovide an increased measure of safety for employees performingspecialized tasks requiring ladders and stilts adjacent thereto.
 2. Thetemporary guardrail system of claim 1 wherein said swiveling meansincludes a pair of said studs arranged in parallel, spaced-apartrelation thereon, said studs being disposed in perpendicular relation tosaid axis of said stanchion enabling a pair of adjacent upper side railsto be mounted thereon and pivoted in a vertical plane at varying anglesfor installation of said temporary guardrail system on inclines such asstairs.
 3. The temporary guardrail system of claim 1 wherein saidconnecting means for said lower side rails comprises at least one railsupport collar cooperating with an angulation means attached to each ofsaid side rails, said at least one rail support collar being disposedabout said stanchion and having at least one threaded stud outwardlyextending therefrom and being perpendicular to a center axis of saidcollar enabling said angulation means of said side rails to be fixedlymounted on said at least one threaded stud.
 4. The temporary guardrailsystem of claim 3 wherein said angulation means of said side railscomprises a mid-rail, swivel bracket disposed on said on at least onethreaded stud extending from said rail support collar, said mid-rail,swivel bracket including an elongated body member and further includingswiveling means being adapted for pivoting movement in a plane parallelto the plane defining said elongated body member, said swiveling meansof said mid-rail, swivel bracket including a threaded stud mounted inperpendicular relation to said axis of said stanchion enabling saidlower side rails to be mounted thereon and pivoted in a vertical planeat varying angles for installation of said temporary guardrail system oninclines such as flights of stairs.
 5. The temporary guardrail system ofclaim 4 wherein said swiveling means of said mid-rail, swivel bracketincludes a pair of threaded studs arranged in generally parallel,spaced-apart relation enabling a pair of said lower side rails to bemounted thereon and pivoted in a vertical plane at varying angles forinstallation of said temporary guardrail system on inclines such asflights of stairs.
 6. The temporary guard rail system of claim 3 hereina plurality of rail support collars are disposed about said stanchionsat a pre-determined vertical location in an operative relationshipbetween at least two rail stops.
 7. The temporary guardrail system ofclaim 1 wherein said extending means includes a plurality of extensionposts being adapted for sliding engagement about the outside diameter ofsaid stanchions at the upper ends thereof, said extension postsincluding connecting means so as to permit attachment of a plurality ofvertically spaced side rails thereon enabling the vertical height ofsaid temporary guard rail system to be selectively extended to provideincreased safety to employees performing specialized tasks adjacentthereto.
 8. The temporary guard rail system of claim 1 wherein eachrespective stanchion is fixedly attached to a ground anchoring means forinstallation directly onto a ground surface adjacent an excavation site.9. The temporary guard rail system of claim 8 wherein said groundanchoring means is fabricated from a heavy gauge, corrugated sheet metalmaterial that is adapted to receive a plurality of anchor pinstherethrough for securing said ground anchoring means directly to thesurface of the ground.
 10. The temporary guard rail system of claim 1wherein each respective stanchion is adapted for installation on a roofanchoring means fabricated from corrugated sheet metal.
 11. Thetemporary guard rail system of claim 10 wherein said roof anchoringmeans is matched to the configuration of said corrugated sheet metalused in the construction of a roof.